ZENON is a bi-racial, non-binary singer/songwriter forging a path with Soul. Their voice at the forefront packs power with masterful control, their heart pens lyrics that paint a story of personal struggles with mental health in 7 Deadly Sins to What It Was, an ‘in your face’ song about social injustices and its impacts.
What It Was captures those injustices so well that it wins them 2 awards, and ZENON’s debut album GENRE Z got nominated in multiple categories at the 2023 YYC Music Awards and in the R&B/Soul category at Western Canadian Music Awards. Most recently, they were awarded both Solo Artist of the Year and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for Falling (Into You) at the 2025 YYC Music Awards.
Bad Bad News is ZENON’s latest single, dropped on March 27th, 2026; calling out the liars in our lives, the ones that are all talk and no action. This song is upbeat and sassy with a guitar solo that borrows from the elements of rock. As the final single from the upcoming album “Redecorating My Mind,” this song showcases ZENON’s versatility, with vocals that stay true to their signature R&B Soul sound while incorporating Pop melodies.
ZENON’s current projects include releasing 4 singles in advance of an early 2026 album, composing music for a project with Calgary Opera and composing 12 songs for an exciting musical theatre production as co-creator with Dan Clapson.
Name:
ZENON
Genre:
Soul, R&B
Founded:
2019 as an official artist. But I’ve dedicated my whole life until this point to music so you could say around 1997 😉
# of Albums:
1 EP titled Genre Z with my upcoming debut album June 2026!
Latest Album:
It’s still Genre Z, my EP. However, I do have my debut album titled “Redecorating My Mind” coming out in June 2026!
Latest Single:
You can listen to Shower Floor on all platforms! It’s an R&B power ballad, rich, soulful and with a sound that builds to revelation. The lyrics are both intimate and healing, giving solace to our breakdown and emotional release in the safe space of a shower.
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
There are so many to pick from, and I feel like growing up was such a prolonged period of time. I’d even venture to say we’re forever growing up. That being said through a few different eras of my life, I’d say Christina Aguilera, Hilary Duff, Alicia Keys, Allen Stone and John Mayer.
Favourite musician now:
There’s really never one at a time for me. Currently listening to A LOT of Bob Marley and the Wailers, RAYE and Olivia Dean.
Guilty pleasure song:
I just have to start by saying, I’m no longer guilt-ridden listening to John Mayer. He’s an incredible artist, and I love his music. Right now, the guilty pleasure song is SPEED DEMON by Justin Bieber.
Live show ritual:
I do lots of grounding exercises before a show. Stretching and breath work that brings me into my body, into the moment and helps with awareness of how my voice is feeling and responding to the day. It really helps my expectations when performing.
Favourite local musician:
This is a tough one, currently tied between K-Riz & Wyatt C. Louis. Both have such amazing talent, and I have soft spots in my heart for them and their art!
EP or LP?
LP all the way. The opportunity to tell more stories and create more of a storyline through song order. I think some of the best albums of all time tell a full story track by track, in order, or reverse order. (ifykyk)
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl for sure. I do some of my best writing and work at night. I think that is due to many different factors in my life though, one of which being I live in a basement suite, and the other being that I am out late at shows and value sleeping in. I could see it shifting and evolving through my life.
Road or studio?
I’ve been in a personal battle with the studio for years. I’ve always felt much more comfortable and more in my artistry live in front of an audience. I will say that’s shifting this year as I’ve been doing more in studio and less live performance, as well as more composition for others and on my own time. I am, however, planning a tour alongside this album and am excited to experience more life on the road because I haven’t done too much before! Only time, experience and practice will tell which is more comfortable and enjoyable. As of today, I’d still say I’m unsure.
Any shows or albums coming up?
I’ve got my album “Redecorating My Mind” coming out in June this year! I’ll be having a release show on June 13th, 2026, so I hope to see you there! Tickets go on sale in April, so stay tuned on my socials for more info.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | TikTok | Soundcloud
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
I love Happy Veggie House; top-tier vegetarian Chinese food owned by a lovely family, and Sushi Sora; great sushi!
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
I’m not sure I have a favourite street. I enjoy walking around different areas of the city, though. I definitely found a gem last summer in the Ramsay/Mills Estate area, just for wandering around after going to a market. I’ve lived in Calgary the majority of my life, and I am still surprised to discover new streets and areas.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
I love Elbow Park, specifically in late Spring or Fall for the bike path. There’s certain areas of the path that take you up and down through overarching trees, and I just love that so much! Seeing the beautiful trees and leaves change in the fall and then the lush fullness of summer while gliding through on my bike is such an amazing feeling!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
I love catching an intimate show everywhere and anywhere in this city. Outdoor shows and festivals are usually my favs, so if I had to pick a venue, it would technically be Prince’s Island Park.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
I don’t think I have a favourite per se. My go-to is Long & McQuade for gear. My go-to for purchasing music would probably be Sloth Records.
